Factron Simplex Case Adds Lens To iPhone [Factron Produces Metal Case For iPhone, Supports Camera Lens For iPhone Camera]

Japan’s Factron has unleashed this metallic case for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The 48g case (the iPhone itself weighs 133g) is made out of Duralumin, the same material used in jet engines and has support for Factron’s SLR-like camera lenses for the iPhone’s fixed-focus 2.0 megapixel camera.

Factron boasts that the Simplex case uses the same ‘precision screws used in wristwatches’, but the real attaction here isn’t the Seiko screws, jet engine aluminium alloy or the hip industrial look it gives your phone – the case enables you to use Factron’s line of camera lenses that they sell for the iPhone.

In addition to the $200 case, iPhone camera fanatics can also purchase lens ranging in price from $20 to $60, for the iPhone, each with a different purpose (close up lens, superwide conversion lens, etc). Given the high price of the case, one has to wonder if this is a razor-and-razorblades model where Factron is losing money on the lens and making it back on the case.

You could buy a decent standalone digital camera for $260, but if iPhone photography is your thing, and you have the desire to improve the iPhone’s single focus digital camera, then Factron has got what you need to fill that niche. The case and lens are now shipping.